Aromatherapy in a nutshell
Aromatherapy, also called essential oil therapy, is an alternative or complementary therapy using essential oils .
The American National Holistic Aromatherapy Association ( NAHA ) defines aromatherapy as "the therapeutic or medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing."
Essential oils are nothing new. On the contrary, they have been used for almost 6000 years to improve health and mood.
Essential oils used in aromatherapy have a wide range of antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal properties.
How aromatherapy works
We know 3 types of aromatherapy: inhalation, external use and internal use.
External use
In aromatherapy as an external application, essential oils are applied diluted directly to the skin locally, during a massage or a bath. Essential oils are diluted with so-called carrier plant oils such as almond, jojoba and argan oil.
Inhalation
In inhalation aromatherapy, oils are evaporated into the air using a diffuser , spray or oil droplets, or they are breathed in a steam bath. In this way, the olfactory receptors in the nose are activated, which subsequently send information to the brain.
Internal use
Aromatherapy is also applied internally, in the form of capsules, by adding essential oil to a drink or food. When using oils internally, we recommend consulting a certified aromatherapist beforehand.
You can learn more about the use of essential oils in the article How to use essential oils .
How does aromatherapy affect the body?
Now we know how essential oils enter the human body during aromatherapy. So let's talk about the effects of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy activates certain areas of the brain, such as the limbic system, which plays a role in emotions but is also related to heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress and hormonal balance.
Essential oils can also affect the hypothalamus, which responds to the oil by producing brain chemicals such as the feel-good serotonin.
Other effects of aromatherapy treatment are disinfection of the respiratory tract , relief from stuffy nose , alleviation of psychological problems and depressive states , improvement of sleep , while the list does not end here - we have prepared a detailed classification of oils according to effects here .
Examples of the use of essential oils
Different oils have different uses and effects.
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Cypress essential oil lifts the mood and encourages. Cypress has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Bergamot essential oil is useful for increasing concentration, clearing the head, digestion and for inflammation of the bladder.
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Myrrh essential oil is used for coughs, bronchitis, injuries, pain, ulcers and eczema.
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Cinnamon essential oil is excellent against pain, stress, high blood pressure and fungal diseases.
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Lavender oil is effective in healing scars, helps with burns, soothes itching, insomnia, nervousness, stress and anxiety.
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Eucalyptus essential oil can help clear the airways during a cold or flu. It is often combined with mint. Many people are allergic to eucalyptus, so care must be taken.
We cover this topic in more detail in the article Use of essential oils according to symptoms.
Do I need an aromatherapist?
An aromatherapist is a person who has been trained in the proper use of essential oils. If you're serious about aromatherapy, it's definitely a good idea to find an expert who can customize your treatment.
It is recommended to visit a certified aromatherapist for the following reasons:
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For everyday but also more serious health problems, such as seasonal allergies, colds and flu, skin care, blood circulation problems, arthritis, internal parasites or serious digestive problems, depression, etc.
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An aromatherapist can formulate a custom blend of essential oils based on your needs and concerns.
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When using essential oils internally. If you are interested in ingesting essential oils, you should see a certified professional or clinical aromatherapist to guide you in proper use and dosage.
The aromatherapist should consider a complete medical history, diet and current health status. Aromatherapy involves a holistic approach, so it focuses on treating the whole person. Treatment is tailored to the individual's physical and mental needs. Based on these needs, an aromatherapist may recommend a single oil or a blend of oils.
Are there risks in aromatherapy?
Each essential oil has a unique chemical composition and use, so it is important to speak with a trained aromatherapist, nurse, doctor, physiotherapist or pharmacist before applying or using an oil for healing. A trained professional can recommend and teach how to use each product, providing proper application or dilution instructions.
Since essential oils cause reactions in the body, not all oils will benefit everyone. For example, the chemical compounds in essential oils can have adverse effects when combined with medications. These oils can reduce the effectiveness of conventional medicines or worsen an individual's health. For example, a person with high blood pressure should avoid stimulants such as rosemary . Eucalyptus is unsuitable for people suffering from epilepsy.
